News

Kim Younggwon rejoices after netting Korea's first goal in the nation’s third match in Group F against Germany at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia at the Kazan Arena in Russia on June 27. (Yonhap News)

As Team Korea trampled Germany, the top-ranked team in the world, by 2-0 in the final score of the Group F match in the World Cup on June 27, not only Korean, but also Mexican, fans went into a frenzy of celebration.

Mexico got crushed 3-0 by Sweden in the final deciding match, played at the same time, and was almost destined to not advance to the Round of 16 if Germany were to defeat Korea by at least 1-0. However, with Korea’s unexpected victory, Mexico was assured a spot in the Round of 16.

Defender Kim Younggwon, netting the game's first goal a few minutes into added time, sent the Mexican soccer fans into ecstasy. Some fans rushed to the Korean Embassy in Mexico City, calling out, “Todos somos coreanos," (We’re all Korean) and, “Gracias, Corea!" (Thank you, Korea!)

Video clips went viral of Mexican fans tossing Koreans into the air in celebration, while images that combined the Korean and Mexican national flags spread instantly on social media.

Televisa, one of the biggest Mexican media outlets, published an article on June 27 under the title “Son Heungmin sealed victory, disqualified Germany.” “Son’s goal is like sealing the confirmation of Germany out and Mexico in the Round of 16.”

Jorge Cantu, a Mexican baseball player who played in Korea with the Doosan Bears, tweets his national flag with Korea’s national flag in the middle, right after Team Korea defeated Germany 2-0 on June 27. (Twitter)